Events and Workshops

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services hosts regular events, including Sweat Lodges, cultural workshops, and guest speakers. In addition to these events, we also host workshops and provide class presentations that introduce attendees to the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, such as residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and how these continue to impact Indigenous peoples today.

One-on-one support is available for students who wish to learn more about Indigenous cultures from the Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and/or the Indigenous Cultural Advisor, as well as student mental health counselling from an Indigenous cultural approach. Contact indigenous@uoit.ca for more information.

Visiting Elder Program

September 30 to October 4

Twice per year, we host a Visiting Elder Program to provide the university with an opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Elder. Elders are important members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities and are recognized for their knowledge, experience, wisdom, harmony and balance.

This semester's elder is Elder Tony Bomberry, a residential school survivor and war veteran. Elder Tony spent 20 years working with the Ministry of Correctional Services and now works as an Indigenous combined court worker.

Book an appointment with the Elder 

 

 

Mini Pow Wow

September 6, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Grand Entry at noon

In the first week of the fall semester, community members are invited to the annual Mini Pow Wow in Polonsky Commons. A Pow Wow is a celebration that showcases Indigenous music, dances, traditional regalia, food, crafts and culture.

 

 

 

From Contact 'Til Now

From Contact 'Til Now" is an interactive session facilitated by the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services team that will provide participants with an experiential learning opportunity designed to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the history of colonization and how it has affected and continues to affect Indigenous peoples today. This presentation will include a smudging ceremony during the session. A debrief about the exercise will follow to explain its importance and relevance.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the next From Contact 'Til Now workshop. For more information, contact indigenous@uoit.ca.